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church altar design with metal studs - need bridging?

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Ben29

Structural
Aug 7, 2014
332
I am designing a platform for a church altar. The platform will be 2ft tall. I am using light gauge walls spaced at 5'-0"o/c max and 4" deep LG joist at 24"o/c (span over walls).

Do I need bridging between the joist at 8ft o/c? Do I need it at every load bearing wall(ie, 5ft o/c)? Do I need it at all?

platform_zkswzs.png
 
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Unless it's braced externally by some other structure, I would say yes, it needs to be braced in both directions. If there's a permanent subfloor acting as a diaphragm, it wouldn't necessarily need to be braced at each wall or each joist.
 
I would add bridging/blocking at least to match the brace spacing in order to (1) prevent rollover of the joists, and (2) provide a lateral load path between the floor diaphragm and the braces. What would be the argument against adding bridging/blocking? It wouldn't add much cost.
 
When you say bridging , do you mean cold rolled channel running thru the holes in the studs?
If so, it is unlikely you need that for studs this short.
 
Ben29:
But, don’t forget, you can get 50-60 people up there all swayin to the music, in unison, and singin some spiritual. That’s no different than a free standing deck, which is not tied to the building.
 
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